Top Republican Calls for New Access and New Markets in CERAWeek Speech

HOUSTON, TEXAS – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) presented a road map for lifting the prohibition against exporting American crude oil. Murkowski, in her keynote address to national and international energy leaders at the 33rd annual CERAWeek conference, called on the Obama administration to update archaic regulations blocking shipments of light oil or “condensates,” and to make a presidential finding that oil exports in general are in the national interest.

“This new domestic energy reality allows us to engage the world in a strong way, and to pursue our national security and foreign policy objectives by economic means,” Murkowski said. “Lifting the oil export ban will send a powerful message that America has the resources and the resolve to be the preeminent power in the world.”

Legislation is not needed – if the Obama administration moves expeditiously, said Murkowski, who offered examples of past administrations that have relaxed restrictions on energy trade to allow export of domestically produced oil.

Murkowski closed her remarks by urging those in attendance not to squander the opportunity that today’s “technology, geology, providence, and true American grit” present. “If we are successful, we will help not only this country, but also many others around the world,” she said.

The full text of Murkowski’s speech is available on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee website and pasted below.

Opening Keynote for CERA Week 2014

Senator Lisa Murkowski

Houston, Texas

March 3, 2014

“Thank you, Scott, for that warm introduction. It’s always great to be back in Houston, arguably the capital of the energy world. And it’s a privilege to be here for the start of CERA Week, the bellwether for global energy conferences.

“I’m grateful to our organizers – to Dan Yergin and to the staff who helped make this event possible. And I am grateful to all of you for the leadership and ingenuity and results you bring to this essential industry.

“As Scott noted, I’ve had the good fortune of serving as the lead Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for the past five years. What an interesting time to hold that position. Amid the hearings, the meetings, and the legislation that we craft, I’ve also had a front-row seat for the sweeping changes taking place in American energy production.

“Over the course of this week, some 250 speakers will share their stories and visions. I’m proud to be among them. And for my part, I offer the perspective of a policymaker who recognizes the importance of energy, who appreciates the gains that